Olduvai Gorge Tanzania

Details

Accommodation & Services:

Size

Location

Getting to

A three hour drive from Arusha.

Things to do

Hiking, visiting archeological sites

Best time to visit

Between June and October, or January through February.

Olduvai Gorge Tanzania

Description

Olduvai Gorge, sometimes referred to as the 'Cradle of Mankind', is a significant site in the studies of prehistoric fossils. This ravine runs through the Serengeti plains and across East Africa for 48 km (30 mi).

It is believed that 500,000 years ago, a nearby river was diverted and the water cut a ravine in the sediment, cutting through layers of volcanic sediment. This phenomenon has enabled the study of bones, fossils and ancient artifacts. Some of these artifacts are believed to be tools, which has aided the research into prehistoric studies. Archeological finds indicate life has existed for millions of years, including 'Lucy' - the hominid skeleton discovered and thought to be over three million years old.